MPs debating pension reform and higher license fees for public broadcasters

The lower house of Parliament is in session to further discuss proposed changes to the  pensions system and higher license fees for the country’s public broadcasters, Czech Television and Czech Radio. Both drafts have come under fire from the opposition parties who are likely to use obstruction tactics. The bills are being debated in a second reading and MPs will be submitting individual amendments. The chamber’s Committee for Social Affairs earlier recommended approving the government's proposal to increase the retirement age above 65 by one month a year instead of the originally proposed two months. The government is arguing that pushing back the retirement age is one of the tools to contribute to the sustainability of the pensions system and reduce pension deficits.